FS Learning Support Mentor (LSM)(South)

Task requirements

A vacancy has arisen for a Flight Sergeant (Any Profession) to serve as FS Learning Support Mentor (LSM)(South) at RAF Brize Norton, with an initial proposed start date of 28 Jul 2025 (or earlier/later, subject to candidate status).

This is an exciting opportunity to help SP face learning challenges and reach their full potential.

The LSMT are a dispersed team and as such, the successful candidate will be expected to work autonomously. Although based at RAF Brize Norton, with regular attendance required in person at BZN and surrounding Units, there will be the opportunity to work flexibly on a hybrid basis, including some remote working, according to Service need and the needs of the individual.

LSMs play a crucial role in the RAF’s model of support for Specific Learning Differences (SpLD / Neurodiversity (ND) issues and for the wider RAF training system. LSMs will identify, develop and deliver bespoke one-to-one and small group support to trainees and SP in areas such as study skills, time management & organisation, literacy and numeracy.

LSMs will have the opportunity to work with the very latest SpLD related technology and to develop positive and supportive mentoring relationships with SP who require extra support in their RAF training. Post incumbents will possess a pro-active, approachable, confident and enthusiastic attitude and will be able to demonstrate a commitment to subordinate development throughout their career as well as possessing strong written and verbal communication skills. Although desirable, no previous SpLD experience/screening qualification is required as training will be provided. 

If the incumbent does not currently hold SpLD and coaching / mentoring qualifications, training will be provided.  However, the individual will be expected to become fully qualified within 12 months of start date.

Key Responsibilities will include:

Provide: One-to-one learning support for RAF Apprentices and SP requiring additional support with their learning or duties

• Provide: Specialist advice, guidance and mentoring to Unit personnel, including SpLD
• Co-ords, STO’s Instructors and LMs.
• Provide: SpLD support to Stations where unit level SpLD support is inaccessible due to staffing gaps or lack of training.
• Conduct: Advanced screening for RAF Apprentices and SP and remain compliant with
• up-to-date screening tools, learning support theory and practice.
• Deliver: Neurodiversity Awareness and associated presentations to Ph2/3 Trg Schools, Line Managers and the wider RAF.
• Engage: With schools/STOs within AOR to ensure accurate and consistent SpLD support is implemented/reviewed throughout training and in the workplace.
• Develop and deliver: Online and face to face workshops to assist Apprentices and SP in the training or working environment.
• Assist: WO LSMT with the collection of qualitative and quantitative feedback/data to provide contextual insight, measurability, and impact of LSMT.
• Any other duties as directed by SO2/WO LSMT in accordance with ToS.

The post is open to the following candidates who have held (in the case of FTRS currently hold) the substantive rank of FS or Equivalent:

• Re-joiner with Previous Service Regular and/or Reserve service in the RAF, Royal Navy, British Army or Commonwealth armed force
• Re-joiner with Service in the Reserve Forces. Individuals serving or with previous service on FTRS or ADC terms in the UK Armed Forces
• Transferee – A serving member of the Royal Navy or British Army or Reserve Forces who can be released for transfer to the RAF
• Re-joiner with Previous Service in other Armed Forces of the Crown. Individuals who have previously served full-time in any of the other Armed Forces of the Crown, including those of Commonwealth countries.

Essential competencies

 Criteria. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following:

 Essential competencies:

 Required to undertake remote academic learning to L5.

• Possess a full UK driving licence.
• The successful applicant will be required to undertake England and Wales Enhanced with Barred Check - Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. Please note that no formal offer of commitment will be made until the successful candidate has achieved this.

Desirable competencies

• Must have held (in the case of FTRS currently hold) the substantive rank of FS or Equivalent.

• Experience in a SpLD Co-ord/Advisor role.
• Experience of training delivery in a Phase 1, 2 or 3 training school.
• DTTT or equivalent.
• PGCE or Cert Ed.
• Qualifications in SpLD or neurodiversity.
• Qualifications / experience in coaching / mentoring.
• Clear history of personal development and commitment to wider education.

Selection Process

Selection Process.  Applicants Service History will be reviewed by Career Management. Candidates who do not meet the required KSE to be brought back into service as a productive Rejoiner will not be considered for the role but maybe offered the option to Rejoin as Pre-Productive in another profession. In the event of more than one applicant for a role (including any regular serving personnel) An Assignment Selection Board will be carried out by Career Management who will select the most suitable candidate. This selection process will be based principally on an applicant’s Employment and Service History but may also include past or current ARs. For Any trade roles there may be a requirement to conduct a suitability interview with the post owner. Some roles may require the candidate to attend a open day/familiarisation day prior to selection.

Applications. 

Interested parties should forward an email detailing the role they wish to express an interest for to air-people-lateral-approaches@mod.gov.uk . On receipt of the email, you will be invited to complete an online Application form on RITS.

Enquiries concerning this vacancy should be made to:

WO Kelly Angus, WO LSMT

03001 518391

Additional information

Confirmation of appointment will depend on successful completion of a RAF Medical Board.  Personnel who do not meet the Age/Permanent Joint Medical Employment Standard (PJMES) may apply for the appointment but will only be considered subject to a waiver process on a case-by-case basis. Successful candidates will be required to complete a Transferee and Re-Joiner Course held at RAF Halton. The length of the course will be dependent on the candidate's status but will be no longer than 2 weeks.

For Any Trade role applicants will be offered an adopted engagement type.

• Adopted Rejoiners will be offered up to a Maximum of 5 years’ service. Adopted Re-joiners are not normally eligible for Pre-boarding in their adopted profession/specialisation, as they are not part of the profession/specialisation strength.

Admin Discharge.  Ex-service candidates who have been administratively discharged through the KR1027 process will have their applications rejected as they are not eligible to join the RAF Regulars in accordance with AP 3391.

Mandatory End of Service (MEOS) Candidates.  Noting that the MEOS for regular personnel is age 60, consideration of candidates who cannot provide the minimum of 36 months service prior to reaching MEOS is only by exception and with approval from WR. Therefore, it is expected that the candidate would re-enter service before their 57th birthday.

Pension Issues. Potential applicants should take advice from the AFPS regarding the pension implications on re-joining. AFPS can be contacted on:

 Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC)
 Mail Point 480
 Kentigern House
 65 Brown Street, Glasgow G2 8EX   Telephone:  0800 0835 3600

 Flexible Service. Flexible Service may be considered in line with the policy detailed in JSP750 Chapter 2 once entered Service. 

 Annual Salary and Leave.  Pay will be in accordance with the pay scales published for the regular air force and will be dependent on the level of seniority and increment awarded in the offer of service.  Leave entitlement is detailed in JSP 760.